INDIANAPOLIS (AP) -- Gov. Mike Pence is learning that being the state's top executive often means dealing with random surprises, a stark contrast from the role he played in Congress where 435 lawmakers typically responded to selected problems.

The latest reminder was a battle late last week over the deleting of comments critical of his stance on gay marriage. It ended with a gay marriage supporter dubbing the practice "Pencership" and a clear apology from Pence on that same Facebook page.

The gay marriage comment battle was just the latest in a handful of high-profile surprises Pence has had to deal with that most lawmakers would be able to avoid: from the story of "Dani the Deer" to his surprise fight with Statehouse Republicans over his agenda-leading income tax cut.